No snowboarder here but I LOVE sports and physical activity. I'm 44 too, will be 45 in August and life is GOOD again! I have the same neck problems you have also, but I am learning to adjust and accommodate when I'm doing something physical. Glad to hear you're doing well!
Minnie

SCC Left Mandible. Jaw replaced with bone from leg. Neck disection, 37 radiation treatments. Recurrence 8-28-07, stage 2, tongue. One third of tongue removed 10-4-07. 5-23-08 chemo started for tumor behind swallowing passage, Our good friend and much loved OCF member Minnie has been lost to the disease (RIP 10-29-08). We will all miss her greatly.